No agent, no publicist what the hell kind of shit show was her publishing company? As I look at them deeper, my anger builds. They were too damn small to do right by Alexa. No, her books would not set the bestseller lists on fire, but they were good, damned good. Her books could and would make a steady slow climb up the list if they got the attention they deserved. The article from the Guardian was one the reporter sought out after reading her first two books, not something this Cory person got her.
I call my publicist and tell him that he is taking on a new client. I give him Alexa’s information. Miguel doesn’t question it. He has worked for me for almost seven years and knows me well.
“She’s releasing next week?”
“Yes, at a rather small looking bookstore. Make it better than whatever they have planned, which I don’t believe will be hard. I have every confidence in your skill this release will be the last time those that matter do not know about her release until the last minute.”
“Thank you, Leo. She’ll end the week on the New York Times bestseller list, I guarantee it.”
“I never doubted it. Alexa is your client. However, her bills come to me.”
“I understand, Leo.”
“Good, I look forward to seeing you soon.”
“Yes, sir.”
It takes a little longer to find what I am looking for. I narrow it down to two then make a call. Hanging up, I smile with satisfaction. I have settled on my second choice. I have no doubt the woman will deliver, she did not make any promises. She laid out carefully her plans on what she could and would do for Alexa as her agent. Her quiet, thoughtful manner reminded me of Alexa, I think Alexa would feel more comfortable with her than the other woman. We end with her promising to make contact with Alexa directly to move forward.
Closing my eyes, I rest my head back and work to gain control over the anger still seething within me. For a moment, I allow myself to wallow in the anger, in allowing myself to feel fully again since the day I came close to ruining everything. In the last few weeks, I have leashed all emotions, refusing to so much as acknowledge even happiness. It has been hell. Yet, I believe it is what has kept me from fucking up again.